Overview of Wheeling

Located just north of the bustling city of Chicago, the village of Wheeling, Illinois, is a bustling location of its own right. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 40,000 residents call Wheeling their home as of July 2011. The area is also famous across the nation for its renowned Restaurant Row, which runs along Milwaukee Avenue.

While Chicago hosts two busy airports - O'Hare International and Midway - Wheeling is home to, and part owner of, the third busiest airport in the state: Chicago Executive Airport. Wheeling apartments for rent are attractive options for many business professionals commuting into Chicago due to its proximity to Interstate 294 and the Wheeling Metra Station.

Living in Wheeling, IL

In Wheeling's early days, the area served as a rest stop for many travelers heading from the business hub of Chicago to the Wisconsin area. In the 1830s, travelers would take the trail that is known today as Milwaukee Avenue or Illinois Route 21. Restaurants and eateries, bars and taverns, and inns and hotels began popping up along this route in these early days, and over the years, this area has grown into what is known as Restaurant Row.

As the city of Chicago continued to grow and expand, so did Wheeling. According to the Village of Wheeling, in the 1960s, Wheeling took its place as a center for commerce and industry. The large presence of the manufacturing industry, which is still present today, brought railroad transportation to the area. Following the addition of the rails, residential neighborhoods began to prosper and the population grew.

Today, it is safe to say that you can find many families living here in Wheeling apartments. The city was named by Family Circle Magazine in July 2008 as one of 10 best places in the country to raise a family.

Wheeling Work and Study

According to the Village of Wheeling, the area is home to more than 470 commercial and retail establishments, with a rough total of 850 licensed businesses. The village says there is still a significant portion of the town that is available for new commercial and industrial development and parts of the town that have been pegged for redevelopment.

City-Data information collected from 2005 to 2009 shows that the top industry in Wheeling is manufacturing, followed by retail trade and accommodation and food services. The most common occupation in the area is computer specialist. Another significant portion of the labor force operates within the educational services, healthcare and social assistance industry, according to information collected by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Wheeling apartments are excellent options for students, as the area is home to National-Louis University, SOLEX College and Worsham College of Mortuary Science. National-Louis University has more than 10,000 students across its seven campuses, five of which are in Illinois.

Rentals in Wheeling, IL and Cost of Living

According to information gathered by the U.S. Census Bureau, Wheeling apartments have a vacancy rate of 5.5 percent and the median rent as of 2010 was $980. More than 40 percent of renters fall in the gross rent range of $750 to $999, with almost 77 percent of total renters falling in the range of $750 to $1,499. Roughly 35 percent of renters spend 35 percent or more of their household income on gross rental costs.

City-Data revealed that the cost of living in Wheeling in March 2012 was assigned a value of 105.9, which is 5.9 percent higher than the national average of 100.

Wheeling Attractions and Special Events

One of the perks of living in rentals in Wheeling is the park district system that offers prime public recreation. The Wheeling Park District manages eight community parks for residents to enjoy as well as the award winning Aquatic Center, Community Recreation Center, Historical Museum and the well-known Chevy Chase Country Club.

The Chevy Chase Country Club boasts of being one of the top public golf facilities in the Chicagoland area. It has been around since 1927 and underwent a renovation in 2003. The clubhouse at Chevy Chase Country Club features a local favorite, the Gable Room Bar & Grill. This restaurant overlooks the golf course, making it a popular venue for local events.

Wheeling's Aquatic Center is a popular outdoor summer destination where residents can take advantage of a zero-depth pool, waterslides, playgrounds, picnic shelters and an adult spa.

If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in Wheeling, Ill., search for rental properties at Rent.com®.

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